Claw disorders as iceberg indicators of cattle welfare: Evidence-based on production system, severity, and associations with final muscle pH

Bautista-Fernández, M. ; Estévez-Moreno, L.X. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Losada-Espinosa, N. ; Villarroel, M. ; María, G.A. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; De Blas, I. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Miranda-de la Lama, G.C. (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: This study presents a novel approach to use claw disorders in cattle as a retrospective welfare indicator characterized at the abattoir. A total of 1040 cattle (2080 front and back left claws) were analyzed from 143 batches, originating from feedlots, free-range, and dairy systems. Our results indicate that abnormal claw shapes (>55%) and fissures of the claw wall (>25%) had the highest prevalence, regardless of the system of origin. For the seven types of lesions monitored, numerous associations were found between lesions in the front and rear limbs typical of each production system. Ultimate meat pH was higher in animals with white line disease and skin wounds in feedlot and free-range cattle. We conclude that claw disorders can be used as an iceberg indicator to provide valuable information about animal fitness, and the ability to cope with the husbandry and pre-slaughter environment. These indicators can be used to improve the level of welfare of the animals.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2021.108496

Año: 2021

Publicado en: Meat Science 177 (2021), 108496 [10 pp]
ISSN: 0309-1740

Factor impacto JCR: 7.077 (2021)

Categ. JCR: FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY rank: 16 / 144 = 0.111 (2021) - Q1 - T1

Factor impacto CITESCORE: 10.4 - Agricultural and Biological Sciences (Q1)

Factor impacto SCIMAGO: 1.298 - Food Science (Q1)

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Sanidad Animal (Dpto. Patología Animal)
Área (Departamento): Área Producción Animal (Dpto. Produc.Animal Cienc.Ali.)